DISCLAIMER: NO author of this fic owns Lord of the Rings (or any other
movies, songs, books, poems, etc., etc., etc.) in ANY way. If we do own
something, we'll tell you. Like Megami and Rhiannon (and some other things
that don't come to mind right now) are ours, but NOTHING else.
So PLEASE don't sue, whoever exactly owns Lord of the Rings (or any of
those other things that aren't ours). THANKS!! ^^
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K, sorry that it took so long to get this up. I was preoccupied with some other things (like school work-I'm puttin' off a bookreport {and a Tech. Ed report, but let's not get technical, no pun intended} for this fic! Megami's SURE to yell at me...)
I also have a few other fics that I, ElfPilot, am working on, solo. Like a just started an Outsiders fic...I LOVE S.E. Hinton! AND there's gonna be a NEW dvd with FORTY minutes of extra footage!!!!!!! YAAAAAA! (Not that you LOTR lovers care, but whatever...)
So to make up for the long period of time that it took to get this up---- it's gonna be extra long!! CHEERS!
ENJOY!
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RHIANNON'S P.O.V.
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We were about halfway down the trail by dinnertime. Megami and I were the only ones talking. We spoke in low whispers, because the object of our conversation was directly in front of us.
"So who is this, this...Armoron?" Megami asked, stealing my trademark grin. "A guy." I answered slyly. She rolled her eyes. "Obviously. But who IS he?" She asked, almost whining. "Well," I said, grinning. "At the banquet, while YOU were busy getting drunk, HE kept me company."
The tips of her ears turned red. "Megami, are you BLUSHING!?" I asked incredulously, eyes wide. "No, no, no. Of course not! What are you talking about!?" She said quickly. "Surrrrrre." I answered.
"So," She said, changing the subject. "You like him?" She asked. I rolled my eyes. "Shouldn't I ask that about you and Legolas?" I answered her question with a question.
She blushed again. Suddenly, Legolas came trotting over. "Did you call me?" He asked. Megami's face was beet red by now. "N-no." She managed to stammer.
I couldn't help it-I burst out laughing. Legolas looked at me strangely, bewildered. "What? Was it something I said?" He questioned. O if only he knew how close to the truth that he was! "No, no. Of course not. It was just..." I burst out laughing again. He and Megami exchanged anxious looks. "Rhiannon," Megami put her hand on my shoulder. "Relax." She said simply. "If you're so busy laughing, who's gonna steer the horse?" She asked.
I calmed down, finally, still smiling though. Legolas seemed leery of me after that... "HEY!" I yelled suddenly, realizing something. "Oh, what NOW!?" Valkeron groaned. "How many of these weird wolf-thingies are we gonna fight?" I asked. Everyone sort of stopped, then, pausing in thought. "Presumably one." Armoron answered me finally. "What if there's like, a pack of them?" I asked again. "Well, then we'll......" Legolas stopped, choosing his words delicately. "Do our best." Megami finished for him.
He smiled at her. She blushed slightly (again!!). "I'm gonna lose my lunch." I muttered, kicking the horse into motion. Their eye contact was broken with a small "Yipe!" from Megami, who hadn't been hanging on...
"Leggy and Megami, sittin' in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G..." I hummed. "Oh, shut- up." Megami mumbled "Hee hee hee." Was my only reply.
Suddenly, our neat little line of horses stopped; everyone nearly piling on top of each other. "Whatsa matter?" I hollered up to the front of the 'procession'. The three men turned and scowled. "Unless you are trying to attract every evil creature within a five mile radius, I suggest that you shut-up." Valkeron growled angrily.
I just glared and stuck my tongue out childishly at him. Then, I noticed Legolas. He was sitting stiffly on his horse, eyes closed in careful concentration. I nudged Megami in the ribs. "Ow! What!?" She whispered, rubbing her side ruefully. I pointed to Legolas, trying to hide my amusement. Megami looked, and shrugged. "So?" She asked. "You've got a strange boyfriend." I mumbled, urging the horse forward. "He's not my boyfriend." She seethed. "Yet." I added wickedly. I could've sworn that steam erupted from her ears, then.
"Ladies!" Armoron yelled, turning around in his saddle. The two of us turned. "Yes?" We asked. "We're camping here for the night." He informed us. "Here, at NIGHT!?" Megami paled. "Yes." Armoron nodded with a 'duh' kind of tone. Legolas, already dismounted from his horse, walked over to Megami. He extended her hand, and she took. Then he lifted clear off the horse. "Do not worry, melomin," He whispered softly. "I will watch our for you." "Thanks." She returned his warm smile. "But," She paused momentarily. "But what?" He urged her. "What does 'melomin' mean?" She questioned him, faltering on the word slightly.
Legolas and I grinned. 'Melomin' was one of the few (VERY few) words that I actually knew in Sindarin. "That, I cannot tell you." Legolas replied, planting a sweet kiss on Megami's forehead, and walking away.
I must admit, I was struck with a small tinge of jealousy. How lucky Megami was, to have someone so kind who actually returns her feelings! Urgh!
I was brought back to the present moment by the strange look on Megami's face. Mixed emotions swam across it. She looked bubbly, shocked, and dreamy all at the same time. "Oh, noooooo. He ain't your boyfriend at ALLLLLLL........." I mumbled sarcastically. She scowled at me. "No, he isn't." "Oh, and that's EXACTLY why he kissed you and called you 'melomin', RIGHT?" I teasingly asked, a sarcastic tone still ringing in my voice. "Oh, shut-up!" She glared. I grinned wickedly, knowing that SHE knew I was right.
Once again that day, things grew silent. As I look back on it now, I never can place a finger on why everyone was so quiet. Maybe it was just the foreboding feeling in the air. Who knew? None of us, that's for sure.
Legolas started a fire, while Valkeron and Armoron laid out the plans for tomorrow. "We should take the East Road!" I heard Valkeron say, as he pointed to the street on the map that was laid out in front of them. "No, no, no." Armoron grumbled tiredly. "We should take the South Road ad anitcipate the beast here." He placed his finger on the spot. Valkeron sighed, and they began arguing once more.
By this time, Megami had joined Legolas in front of the fire , and they were carrying out a conversation, Megami's head on Legolas's shoulder. Every so often, Legolas would throw another piece of wood into the crackling and spitting flames.
I lay back, looking at the dark sky. I could hear both groups' conversations. Both of them were discussing serious topics, as everyone's voices were low, and they were frowning, shaking their heads once in a while.
"PLLLLLLEEEEAAASSSSEEEE tell me?" I heard Megami whining at Legolas. "No,no. You will learn soon enough what it means. Time tells all." Legolas assured her, grinning with sudden amusement.
I figured that they were STILL talking about when Legolas called Megami 'melomin' or 'my love'. I chuckled quietly to myself. Megami was going to keep pestering people until she got her answer. I knew this because it was a trait that she'd picked up from me. (^^)
"Rhiannon," Armoron called suddenly. "Yes?" I asked, sitting up. "Come here, won't you?" He questioned, and I nodded, making my way over.
"What would YOU like to do tomorrow?" He asked me. I shrugged. "I'm a go with the flow kinda gal." I replied. His face twisted in confusion. "Huh?" "It means that I don't mind what we do, whatever it is." I answered, hoping to ease his uncertainty. "Oh. I see." He replied, though clearly, he didn't.
At that moment, Legolas and Megami chose to join us. "And what, praytell, are we discussing over here?" Megami grinned. "Nothing much." I shrugged again.
Just then, I felt a grin spread over my face as well. "Hey, Me, " (A/N: Me, {when referring to Megami's nickname} is pronounced May) "I know what 'melomin' means." "YOU DO!?" She and Legolas shouted in unison. Megami looked thrilled, but Legolas looked terrified (to say the least). I decided to torture them a little...
"I suppose that I COULD tell you..." "NO!" Legolas hollered. "YEAH!" Megami grinned. "It means..." I started, but never finished because Legolas lunged forward then, and slapped his hand over my mouth.
Quickly, he dragged me away from camp towards a dark spot by the stream. I ripped his hand off of my mouth when he stopped. "GEEZ!" I exclaimed. "I wasn't REALLY gonna tell her! It's always fun to have blackmail..." "Still your tongue." He said sternly. I blinked in surprise. "That's a fancy way of telling me to shut-up, isn't it?" I asked. He sighed and changed the subject. "Please don't tell the Lady Megami the meaning of anything that I say." He requested, sounding exasperated. "Why not?" I asked, confused. "You don't want her to know that you love her?"
He just sighed again, and leaned back against the nearest tree. "Many reasons." He sighed. "Name them." I persisted. "She is 15. I am 2,935. She is from another world, which she will have to return to very soon,"
As he talked about his dilemmas, I couldn't help but inwardly sigh---- I was having a perfectly good time here on Middle Earth. His reminder that Megami and I wouldn't be here forever was a harsh reality slap.
"And most of all," He continued, unaware that I had spaced out. "I am immortal. She is not. Such love is forbidden against the Valar." "What of Arwen and Aragorn?" I pointed out. "What do the Valar say about them?"
He seemed slightly surprised that I knew their story, but he continued nevertheless. "Yes, that is true. The Lady Undomiel gave her immortality for King Ellesar (A/N: That's how you spell it, right? Oh well, whatever). However, as I said, Megami is from another world. Even if I were to give my immortality for her, it would be futile. She will be departing back to her world shortly." He frowned, and I could have sworn that I saw a glistening in his eye.
"Yes, but wouldn't you rather die of mortal aging than a broken heart?" I quipped. He was so tall, that he had to look down to see my face-which he did. "How is it," He spoke slowly, almost unsure of himself. "That you know so much about Middle-Earth, and yet you've never been here before?" He questioned.
"Well you know, just little tidbits of info that I've picked up here and there." I said quickly. It WAS partially true. But really, how do you tell someone that back home in your world, they are a fictional character?
Just then, a twig snapped. Cursing was heard in the distance. "Get down!" Legolas commanded, pulling me by my arm towards the soft, green Earth. Just as I'd disappeared behind the bushes, a band of orcs came into view.
"I swear it! I swear that I saw a young Elven girl!" One of the orcs hollered hysterically. "Nonsense! There is no one here! See for yourself!" Another orc replied, raising his arm and sweeping it slowly across the landscape. "But--" The first persisted. "No one!" The second one barked. "Enough!" Yelled a third. "We must press forward! The master will be furious if we are late again!"
All of the hideous creatures nodded at who I assumed was their leader. Then, grunting and snorting in a way that reminded me of angry warthogs, they walked onward.
When finally, the smallest and slowest of them was gone, Legolas stood up. "It is clear." He announced, extending a hand to help me up with. For some reason, he seemed to be in deep thought. "Legolas," I broke the silence. "Hm?" "Who were those orcs referring to when they said 'master'? I thought that Sauron was destroyed." "He was. I know not who they mean. But it is quite clear now--- a new evil is afoot in these fair lands once more. Perhaps it is the same one that is controlling those other beasts..." He paused mid-sentence. Then, he regained his train of thought. "Come! We mut tell the others of our findings!" He declared. I nodded and followed him back to camp.
"There you are!" Armoron exclaimed. "We figured that Orcs had come and made off with you!" He smiled in a joking manner. Apparently, he didn't realize how close to the truth that statement was.
"We almost were." Legolas grumbled, voicing my thoughts. Everyone sort of stopped, and turned their heads to better hear Legolas. "W-what!?" Valkeron stuttered. "Orcs are roaming the forests once more." Legolas sighed wearily. "Yeah, and they said something about not wanting to be late for some meeting with their 'master'." I grumbled.
Everyone's faces were pale, and their eyes were wide. "Bad, very bad..." Valkeron was muttering. "Does this mean that we have to fight orcs AND those freaky wolf things?" Megami groaned. "That's the way that it seems..." Armoron mumbled.
Everyone sighed once more. "As if things weren't bad enough!" Megami was scowling. I chuckled slightly and put my hand on her shoulder. "Dontcha know?" I asked her. "Know what?" Puzzlement crossed her features. "If something can go wrong-it will." "What could possibly be worse than this?" She scoffed. I grinned wickedly, and she realized her mistake too late. "No, no, Rhiannon..." "OH!" I began. "Who lives in a pineapple under the sea!?" I poked her. "Spongebob." She answered in a monotone voice. "Who's porris and yellow and absorbent is he!?" "Spongebob." She sighed. "If nautical nonsense be somethin' ya wish,(SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!!) then drop on the deck and flop like a fish (SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!!)! Ready? S.S.!! S.S.!! S.S.!!!!!!!!" (A/N: S.S. = Spongebob Squarepants)
I finally finished. Megami sighed again and all of the guys stared at me with bizarre expressions. I just laughed at their shock and and laid down in my bedroll. "Goodnight!" I announced, and fell deeply asleep a short time later.
~*~*~*~*~
The next day was extremely cold, especially when compared to the day before. "I'm cold!" Megami shivered. I sighed. "We all are, but what are we gonna do about it?" I asked her, slightly irritated by her non-stop whining. She shrugged. "I dunno. Tell whatever weather god that exists around here to warm things up." She muttered. Everyone chuckled. "As much as we'd like to, milady, we cannot. One does not simply walk up to the Valar and demand a change of climate." Valkeron told her. "Couldn't you perform some sort of weather spell though?" She persisted. "I could," He replied, watching her face brighten considerably. "But it's not wise to mess with the forces of nature." He finished. Her face fell and she wrinkled her nose. "That's the most ridiculous thing that I've ever heard! At the very least, couldn't you cast a type of fire spell?" She continued. "Yes, but that would attract certain creatures that we are trying to avoid." He told her. "Oh, and Rhiannon's singing didn't!?" She hollered, waving her arms madly. "No, of course not! It most likely sent them running in the other direction!" Valkeron laughed. "HEY! It wasn't THAT bad!" I exclaimed defensively. "If you say so." He chuckled, and I kicked him in the shin angrily (not an easy thing to do when you're on a horse). Then he scowled and would have said or done something to me, had it not been for the impatient glare that we received from Armoron. "If all that we do is stand here and argue, then we'll NEVER warm up! Now let's go!" He snapped. Everyone sighed and we kicked their horses back into motion.
~*~*~
Night fell, as did the temperature. Megami was NOT happy. "If the friggin' wind would stop blowin', then things would warm up!" She screeched. I sighed and lay my hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "Okay, Megami. That's enough." I heaved. Her complaining was really getting to me... "But...!" She opened her mouth, but I quickly cut her off. "FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS NON-PINK, WOULD YOU PLEASE DO US ALL A FAVOR, AND SHUT-UP!?" I yelled, thoroughly exasperated by this point. She sighed. "What I wouldn't give for a BLT at the Beef Barn right now..." She whispered dreamily, and I had to chuckle. The Beef Barn WAS good (even if it had a crummy name). "Beef...Barn?" Valkeron questioned, raising an eyebrow in confusion. I laughed. "A place to go and buy REALLY good meat." I answered, and he nodded in understanding.
~*~*~
The next morning was no different than the day before. We reluctantly rose at dawn, packed, ate, hopped onto our horses, and headed out. Megami sighed- --AGAIN. "When are we gonna DO anythin'?" She moaned, and I rolled my eyes. We'd REALLY switched roles lately; usually I was complaining and SHE was telling ME to shut-up. "You're just a whiny little thing lately, aren't you?" I asked her, and she scowled. I could have sworn that I saw Legolas flinch- as though resisting the urge to turn around and tell me to lay off of his beloved, sacred, precious, lovely, STUBBORN, RUDE, WHINY LITTLE...
Sorry, went off on a tangin there. Point is-Legolas loves Megami. But that's old news by NOW.
"Rhiannon!" Armoron called from the head of the line. "Yeah?" "Could you come up here, please?" "Of course." I answered, kicking my horse forward. "No," He said suddenly. "Just you." He insisted, indicating Megami with a nod of his head. I turned to her with one of those 'sorry, do you mind?' expressions playing on my face.
Grumbling, she hopped down. Everyone watched her curiously. Ignoring them, she marched right over to Legolas, and looked at him with big, round, pleading eyes. He smiled and reached down. She too, grinned, and, taking his hand, swung up in front of him, onto the horse. She then leaned against his well-toned chest. "THIS is how you ride." She smiled contentedly. Everyone chuckled softly.
Still laughing slightly, I moved my small mare up beside Armoron's. "Hey Megami, this little horse moves a LOT faster without your ass on her back!" I teased. "Shut-up!" She scowled, never lifting her head or opening her eyes. I just laughed more and turned to Armoron expectantly. "Yes?" I whispered. Now, all attention was diverted to he and I. Without warning, he kicked his Bay into a canter. "HEY!" I exclaimed, and urged my horse forward as well. In moments, I caught up with him (the horse really did move more quickly without Megami).
"Sorry," He apologized. "Just wanted to get out of earshot of the others." He explained. I nodded, and asked, "What do you need that's so secretive?" "I've been thinking--- about some old legends." He replied softly, his chin in his hand. "Oh, yeah?" "I recalled a certain myth, pertaining to two young maidens. 'Strange are their ways, but happy are their days'." He recited, still looking at the ground. There were many creases in his forehead, and I wondered what he was getting at.
"This legend tells about those two maidens who are misunderstood by everyone, because they are different. Either they don't realize this, or they don't care, because it never seems to bother them. One day, one of them takes on a dramatic transformation," "Like what?" I interrupted. "It never says. All I know is that while her physical appearance is only slightly altered, her senses sharpen, and her wisdom increases ten fold" "Uh, huh..." I nodded. "The one that never changed must then make a hard decision based on the facts recently brought to her attention, not to mention her friend's, um, change." "What happens? What does she decide?" I asked. He grinned slightly. "No one knows; the prophecy was never finished."
We rode in silence for a while. I, puzzling over what could have happened to the two girls, and he caught up in his own thoughts.
"Armoron," I spoke quietly, trying my best not to disturb the peace that had grown in the last few minutes. "Yes?" "Why, exactly, is this legend so important?" I whispered. He sighed. "Well, you see, I have reason to believe that your and Megami are um, well, to be frank, the maidens from the prophecy."
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EVIL, EVIL, place for me to leave off, eh? Heh, heh--- thought so ^^
Well, if you want ch.10 up, ye best review (we'll be waitin')!
THANKS! HOPE THAT U LIKED! REVIEW!
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K, sorry that it took so long to get this up. I was preoccupied with some other things (like school work-I'm puttin' off a bookreport {and a Tech. Ed report, but let's not get technical, no pun intended} for this fic! Megami's SURE to yell at me...)
I also have a few other fics that I, ElfPilot, am working on, solo. Like a just started an Outsiders fic...I LOVE S.E. Hinton! AND there's gonna be a NEW dvd with FORTY minutes of extra footage!!!!!!! YAAAAAA! (Not that you LOTR lovers care, but whatever...)
So to make up for the long period of time that it took to get this up---- it's gonna be extra long!! CHEERS!
ENJOY!
~*~*~*~*~
RHIANNON'S P.O.V.
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We were about halfway down the trail by dinnertime. Megami and I were the only ones talking. We spoke in low whispers, because the object of our conversation was directly in front of us.
"So who is this, this...Armoron?" Megami asked, stealing my trademark grin. "A guy." I answered slyly. She rolled her eyes. "Obviously. But who IS he?" She asked, almost whining. "Well," I said, grinning. "At the banquet, while YOU were busy getting drunk, HE kept me company."
The tips of her ears turned red. "Megami, are you BLUSHING!?" I asked incredulously, eyes wide. "No, no, no. Of course not! What are you talking about!?" She said quickly. "Surrrrrre." I answered.
"So," She said, changing the subject. "You like him?" She asked. I rolled my eyes. "Shouldn't I ask that about you and Legolas?" I answered her question with a question.
She blushed again. Suddenly, Legolas came trotting over. "Did you call me?" He asked. Megami's face was beet red by now. "N-no." She managed to stammer.
I couldn't help it-I burst out laughing. Legolas looked at me strangely, bewildered. "What? Was it something I said?" He questioned. O if only he knew how close to the truth that he was! "No, no. Of course not. It was just..." I burst out laughing again. He and Megami exchanged anxious looks. "Rhiannon," Megami put her hand on my shoulder. "Relax." She said simply. "If you're so busy laughing, who's gonna steer the horse?" She asked.
I calmed down, finally, still smiling though. Legolas seemed leery of me after that... "HEY!" I yelled suddenly, realizing something. "Oh, what NOW!?" Valkeron groaned. "How many of these weird wolf-thingies are we gonna fight?" I asked. Everyone sort of stopped, then, pausing in thought. "Presumably one." Armoron answered me finally. "What if there's like, a pack of them?" I asked again. "Well, then we'll......" Legolas stopped, choosing his words delicately. "Do our best." Megami finished for him.
He smiled at her. She blushed slightly (again!!). "I'm gonna lose my lunch." I muttered, kicking the horse into motion. Their eye contact was broken with a small "Yipe!" from Megami, who hadn't been hanging on...
"Leggy and Megami, sittin' in a tree. K-I-S-S-I-N-G..." I hummed. "Oh, shut- up." Megami mumbled "Hee hee hee." Was my only reply.
Suddenly, our neat little line of horses stopped; everyone nearly piling on top of each other. "Whatsa matter?" I hollered up to the front of the 'procession'. The three men turned and scowled. "Unless you are trying to attract every evil creature within a five mile radius, I suggest that you shut-up." Valkeron growled angrily.
I just glared and stuck my tongue out childishly at him. Then, I noticed Legolas. He was sitting stiffly on his horse, eyes closed in careful concentration. I nudged Megami in the ribs. "Ow! What!?" She whispered, rubbing her side ruefully. I pointed to Legolas, trying to hide my amusement. Megami looked, and shrugged. "So?" She asked. "You've got a strange boyfriend." I mumbled, urging the horse forward. "He's not my boyfriend." She seethed. "Yet." I added wickedly. I could've sworn that steam erupted from her ears, then.
"Ladies!" Armoron yelled, turning around in his saddle. The two of us turned. "Yes?" We asked. "We're camping here for the night." He informed us. "Here, at NIGHT!?" Megami paled. "Yes." Armoron nodded with a 'duh' kind of tone. Legolas, already dismounted from his horse, walked over to Megami. He extended her hand, and she took. Then he lifted clear off the horse. "Do not worry, melomin," He whispered softly. "I will watch our for you." "Thanks." She returned his warm smile. "But," She paused momentarily. "But what?" He urged her. "What does 'melomin' mean?" She questioned him, faltering on the word slightly.
Legolas and I grinned. 'Melomin' was one of the few (VERY few) words that I actually knew in Sindarin. "That, I cannot tell you." Legolas replied, planting a sweet kiss on Megami's forehead, and walking away.
I must admit, I was struck with a small tinge of jealousy. How lucky Megami was, to have someone so kind who actually returns her feelings! Urgh!
I was brought back to the present moment by the strange look on Megami's face. Mixed emotions swam across it. She looked bubbly, shocked, and dreamy all at the same time. "Oh, noooooo. He ain't your boyfriend at ALLLLLLL........." I mumbled sarcastically. She scowled at me. "No, he isn't." "Oh, and that's EXACTLY why he kissed you and called you 'melomin', RIGHT?" I teasingly asked, a sarcastic tone still ringing in my voice. "Oh, shut-up!" She glared. I grinned wickedly, knowing that SHE knew I was right.
Once again that day, things grew silent. As I look back on it now, I never can place a finger on why everyone was so quiet. Maybe it was just the foreboding feeling in the air. Who knew? None of us, that's for sure.
Legolas started a fire, while Valkeron and Armoron laid out the plans for tomorrow. "We should take the East Road!" I heard Valkeron say, as he pointed to the street on the map that was laid out in front of them. "No, no, no." Armoron grumbled tiredly. "We should take the South Road ad anitcipate the beast here." He placed his finger on the spot. Valkeron sighed, and they began arguing once more.
By this time, Megami had joined Legolas in front of the fire , and they were carrying out a conversation, Megami's head on Legolas's shoulder. Every so often, Legolas would throw another piece of wood into the crackling and spitting flames.
I lay back, looking at the dark sky. I could hear both groups' conversations. Both of them were discussing serious topics, as everyone's voices were low, and they were frowning, shaking their heads once in a while.
"PLLLLLLEEEEAAASSSSEEEE tell me?" I heard Megami whining at Legolas. "No,no. You will learn soon enough what it means. Time tells all." Legolas assured her, grinning with sudden amusement.
I figured that they were STILL talking about when Legolas called Megami 'melomin' or 'my love'. I chuckled quietly to myself. Megami was going to keep pestering people until she got her answer. I knew this because it was a trait that she'd picked up from me. (^^)
"Rhiannon," Armoron called suddenly. "Yes?" I asked, sitting up. "Come here, won't you?" He questioned, and I nodded, making my way over.
"What would YOU like to do tomorrow?" He asked me. I shrugged. "I'm a go with the flow kinda gal." I replied. His face twisted in confusion. "Huh?" "It means that I don't mind what we do, whatever it is." I answered, hoping to ease his uncertainty. "Oh. I see." He replied, though clearly, he didn't.
At that moment, Legolas and Megami chose to join us. "And what, praytell, are we discussing over here?" Megami grinned. "Nothing much." I shrugged again.
Just then, I felt a grin spread over my face as well. "Hey, Me, " (A/N: Me, {when referring to Megami's nickname} is pronounced May) "I know what 'melomin' means." "YOU DO!?" She and Legolas shouted in unison. Megami looked thrilled, but Legolas looked terrified (to say the least). I decided to torture them a little...
"I suppose that I COULD tell you..." "NO!" Legolas hollered. "YEAH!" Megami grinned. "It means..." I started, but never finished because Legolas lunged forward then, and slapped his hand over my mouth.
Quickly, he dragged me away from camp towards a dark spot by the stream. I ripped his hand off of my mouth when he stopped. "GEEZ!" I exclaimed. "I wasn't REALLY gonna tell her! It's always fun to have blackmail..." "Still your tongue." He said sternly. I blinked in surprise. "That's a fancy way of telling me to shut-up, isn't it?" I asked. He sighed and changed the subject. "Please don't tell the Lady Megami the meaning of anything that I say." He requested, sounding exasperated. "Why not?" I asked, confused. "You don't want her to know that you love her?"
He just sighed again, and leaned back against the nearest tree. "Many reasons." He sighed. "Name them." I persisted. "She is 15. I am 2,935. She is from another world, which she will have to return to very soon,"
As he talked about his dilemmas, I couldn't help but inwardly sigh---- I was having a perfectly good time here on Middle Earth. His reminder that Megami and I wouldn't be here forever was a harsh reality slap.
"And most of all," He continued, unaware that I had spaced out. "I am immortal. She is not. Such love is forbidden against the Valar." "What of Arwen and Aragorn?" I pointed out. "What do the Valar say about them?"
He seemed slightly surprised that I knew their story, but he continued nevertheless. "Yes, that is true. The Lady Undomiel gave her immortality for King Ellesar (A/N: That's how you spell it, right? Oh well, whatever). However, as I said, Megami is from another world. Even if I were to give my immortality for her, it would be futile. She will be departing back to her world shortly." He frowned, and I could have sworn that I saw a glistening in his eye.
"Yes, but wouldn't you rather die of mortal aging than a broken heart?" I quipped. He was so tall, that he had to look down to see my face-which he did. "How is it," He spoke slowly, almost unsure of himself. "That you know so much about Middle-Earth, and yet you've never been here before?" He questioned.
"Well you know, just little tidbits of info that I've picked up here and there." I said quickly. It WAS partially true. But really, how do you tell someone that back home in your world, they are a fictional character?
Just then, a twig snapped. Cursing was heard in the distance. "Get down!" Legolas commanded, pulling me by my arm towards the soft, green Earth. Just as I'd disappeared behind the bushes, a band of orcs came into view.
"I swear it! I swear that I saw a young Elven girl!" One of the orcs hollered hysterically. "Nonsense! There is no one here! See for yourself!" Another orc replied, raising his arm and sweeping it slowly across the landscape. "But--" The first persisted. "No one!" The second one barked. "Enough!" Yelled a third. "We must press forward! The master will be furious if we are late again!"
All of the hideous creatures nodded at who I assumed was their leader. Then, grunting and snorting in a way that reminded me of angry warthogs, they walked onward.
When finally, the smallest and slowest of them was gone, Legolas stood up. "It is clear." He announced, extending a hand to help me up with. For some reason, he seemed to be in deep thought. "Legolas," I broke the silence. "Hm?" "Who were those orcs referring to when they said 'master'? I thought that Sauron was destroyed." "He was. I know not who they mean. But it is quite clear now--- a new evil is afoot in these fair lands once more. Perhaps it is the same one that is controlling those other beasts..." He paused mid-sentence. Then, he regained his train of thought. "Come! We mut tell the others of our findings!" He declared. I nodded and followed him back to camp.
"There you are!" Armoron exclaimed. "We figured that Orcs had come and made off with you!" He smiled in a joking manner. Apparently, he didn't realize how close to the truth that statement was.
"We almost were." Legolas grumbled, voicing my thoughts. Everyone sort of stopped, and turned their heads to better hear Legolas. "W-what!?" Valkeron stuttered. "Orcs are roaming the forests once more." Legolas sighed wearily. "Yeah, and they said something about not wanting to be late for some meeting with their 'master'." I grumbled.
Everyone's faces were pale, and their eyes were wide. "Bad, very bad..." Valkeron was muttering. "Does this mean that we have to fight orcs AND those freaky wolf things?" Megami groaned. "That's the way that it seems..." Armoron mumbled.
Everyone sighed once more. "As if things weren't bad enough!" Megami was scowling. I chuckled slightly and put my hand on her shoulder. "Dontcha know?" I asked her. "Know what?" Puzzlement crossed her features. "If something can go wrong-it will." "What could possibly be worse than this?" She scoffed. I grinned wickedly, and she realized her mistake too late. "No, no, Rhiannon..." "OH!" I began. "Who lives in a pineapple under the sea!?" I poked her. "Spongebob." She answered in a monotone voice. "Who's porris and yellow and absorbent is he!?" "Spongebob." She sighed. "If nautical nonsense be somethin' ya wish,(SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!!) then drop on the deck and flop like a fish (SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!!)! Ready? S.S.!! S.S.!! S.S.!!!!!!!!" (A/N: S.S. = Spongebob Squarepants)
I finally finished. Megami sighed again and all of the guys stared at me with bizarre expressions. I just laughed at their shock and and laid down in my bedroll. "Goodnight!" I announced, and fell deeply asleep a short time later.
~*~*~*~*~
The next day was extremely cold, especially when compared to the day before. "I'm cold!" Megami shivered. I sighed. "We all are, but what are we gonna do about it?" I asked her, slightly irritated by her non-stop whining. She shrugged. "I dunno. Tell whatever weather god that exists around here to warm things up." She muttered. Everyone chuckled. "As much as we'd like to, milady, we cannot. One does not simply walk up to the Valar and demand a change of climate." Valkeron told her. "Couldn't you perform some sort of weather spell though?" She persisted. "I could," He replied, watching her face brighten considerably. "But it's not wise to mess with the forces of nature." He finished. Her face fell and she wrinkled her nose. "That's the most ridiculous thing that I've ever heard! At the very least, couldn't you cast a type of fire spell?" She continued. "Yes, but that would attract certain creatures that we are trying to avoid." He told her. "Oh, and Rhiannon's singing didn't!?" She hollered, waving her arms madly. "No, of course not! It most likely sent them running in the other direction!" Valkeron laughed. "HEY! It wasn't THAT bad!" I exclaimed defensively. "If you say so." He chuckled, and I kicked him in the shin angrily (not an easy thing to do when you're on a horse). Then he scowled and would have said or done something to me, had it not been for the impatient glare that we received from Armoron. "If all that we do is stand here and argue, then we'll NEVER warm up! Now let's go!" He snapped. Everyone sighed and we kicked their horses back into motion.
~*~*~
Night fell, as did the temperature. Megami was NOT happy. "If the friggin' wind would stop blowin', then things would warm up!" She screeched. I sighed and lay my hand on her shoulder comfortingly. "Okay, Megami. That's enough." I heaved. Her complaining was really getting to me... "But...!" She opened her mouth, but I quickly cut her off. "FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS NON-PINK, WOULD YOU PLEASE DO US ALL A FAVOR, AND SHUT-UP!?" I yelled, thoroughly exasperated by this point. She sighed. "What I wouldn't give for a BLT at the Beef Barn right now..." She whispered dreamily, and I had to chuckle. The Beef Barn WAS good (even if it had a crummy name). "Beef...Barn?" Valkeron questioned, raising an eyebrow in confusion. I laughed. "A place to go and buy REALLY good meat." I answered, and he nodded in understanding.
~*~*~
The next morning was no different than the day before. We reluctantly rose at dawn, packed, ate, hopped onto our horses, and headed out. Megami sighed- --AGAIN. "When are we gonna DO anythin'?" She moaned, and I rolled my eyes. We'd REALLY switched roles lately; usually I was complaining and SHE was telling ME to shut-up. "You're just a whiny little thing lately, aren't you?" I asked her, and she scowled. I could have sworn that I saw Legolas flinch- as though resisting the urge to turn around and tell me to lay off of his beloved, sacred, precious, lovely, STUBBORN, RUDE, WHINY LITTLE...
Sorry, went off on a tangin there. Point is-Legolas loves Megami. But that's old news by NOW.
"Rhiannon!" Armoron called from the head of the line. "Yeah?" "Could you come up here, please?" "Of course." I answered, kicking my horse forward. "No," He said suddenly. "Just you." He insisted, indicating Megami with a nod of his head. I turned to her with one of those 'sorry, do you mind?' expressions playing on my face.
Grumbling, she hopped down. Everyone watched her curiously. Ignoring them, she marched right over to Legolas, and looked at him with big, round, pleading eyes. He smiled and reached down. She too, grinned, and, taking his hand, swung up in front of him, onto the horse. She then leaned against his well-toned chest. "THIS is how you ride." She smiled contentedly. Everyone chuckled softly.
Still laughing slightly, I moved my small mare up beside Armoron's. "Hey Megami, this little horse moves a LOT faster without your ass on her back!" I teased. "Shut-up!" She scowled, never lifting her head or opening her eyes. I just laughed more and turned to Armoron expectantly. "Yes?" I whispered. Now, all attention was diverted to he and I. Without warning, he kicked his Bay into a canter. "HEY!" I exclaimed, and urged my horse forward as well. In moments, I caught up with him (the horse really did move more quickly without Megami).
"Sorry," He apologized. "Just wanted to get out of earshot of the others." He explained. I nodded, and asked, "What do you need that's so secretive?" "I've been thinking--- about some old legends." He replied softly, his chin in his hand. "Oh, yeah?" "I recalled a certain myth, pertaining to two young maidens. 'Strange are their ways, but happy are their days'." He recited, still looking at the ground. There were many creases in his forehead, and I wondered what he was getting at.
"This legend tells about those two maidens who are misunderstood by everyone, because they are different. Either they don't realize this, or they don't care, because it never seems to bother them. One day, one of them takes on a dramatic transformation," "Like what?" I interrupted. "It never says. All I know is that while her physical appearance is only slightly altered, her senses sharpen, and her wisdom increases ten fold" "Uh, huh..." I nodded. "The one that never changed must then make a hard decision based on the facts recently brought to her attention, not to mention her friend's, um, change." "What happens? What does she decide?" I asked. He grinned slightly. "No one knows; the prophecy was never finished."
We rode in silence for a while. I, puzzling over what could have happened to the two girls, and he caught up in his own thoughts.
"Armoron," I spoke quietly, trying my best not to disturb the peace that had grown in the last few minutes. "Yes?" "Why, exactly, is this legend so important?" I whispered. He sighed. "Well, you see, I have reason to believe that your and Megami are um, well, to be frank, the maidens from the prophecy."
~*~*~*~*~
EVIL, EVIL, place for me to leave off, eh? Heh, heh--- thought so ^^
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